The SouT
hThe SouT
h
eATiNG&
D
R
iNKiNGThe SouT
h
U
N
AWATUNAhouse has equally colourful rooms. It’s good
for people travelling with children as there
are lots of kids’ toys (although you do have to
cross the busy road to reach the beach).
5 ating & DrinkingE
Almost all places to stay provide meals or
have restaurants. The best way to choose
from the many cafes lining the beach may be
to simply stroll around and see what you like.
Most places are good for a drink – see which
ones are in favour when you’re there. Just
don’t expect much past midnight.
Shekira Restaurant S eAFOOD $
(off Wella Dewala Rd; meals from Rs 500) With
boats bobbing like ducks on the water just
a few metres away, this wooden fisherman’s
shack is at the best end of the beach. There are
just a few candlelit tables and it’s perfect for a
cold sunset beer and a cheap fried-fish dinner
punctuated by the owner’s friendly banter.
Hot Rock SR i lANKAN $
(%224 2685; Wella Dewala Rd; meals Rs 300-800;
h9am-10pm) One of several beachside cafes
that all but merge into one. Enjoy local fare
plus seafood and cheap beer on the sand. The
menu trumpets the many pork dishes, which
are indeed not common on menus.
Queens Art Cafe CAFe $
(Yaddehimulla Rd; mains from Rs300; h8am-9pm;
W) A real travellers’ cafe in a nice shady spot
off the beach. Enjoy wi-fi, fine coffee and good
snacks from the woodsy, open-air main room.
There are numerous vegetarian options.
Roti Shop SR i lANKAN $
(Wella Dewala Rd; mains Rs 250; h10am-10pm)
Dozens of sweet and savoury rotti jammed
full of cheeses, fruits and more make for a
tasty snack or lunch. Wash it down with a
fresh banana lassie.
Fruit Market MARKeT $
(Wella Dewala Rd; h7am-5pm Mon-Sat) The vast
array of Sri Lanka’s fruit and veg bounty is
on display here.
oJinas Vegetarian and
Vegan Restaurant veGeTARiAN $$
(Wella Dewala Rd; meals Rs 500-800; h11am-9pm)
Set back from the road, this enjoyable garden
restaurant offers a wide array of classic Indian
dishes such as thalis and masala dosas as well
as European vegetarian dishes, including ve-
gie burgers. You’ll find nirvana with the fresh
passion fruit juice and the organic banana
cake. Ask about the meditation lessons.
Kingfisher Restaurant S eAFOOD $$
(Wella Delaya Rd; meals Rs 800-2000; h9am-mid-
night Tue-Sun) This seafront restaurant has a
wide-ranging menu that, no surprise, focuses
on seafood. The lobster is a treat, as are the
many forms of shrimp. Many dishes have
Thai or Italian accents. In high season waits
for a table on the sand are long; book ahead.Koko’s on the Beach BURGeRS $$
(Wella Dewala Rd; meals from Rs 500; h9am-11pm)
The beach bar for those who literally can’t
wait to get home for a burger or fish and
chips. Gary the owner runs a tight ship and
curry-weary customers rave about the warm
welcome and quality of those very chips.Pink Elephant M iDDle eASTeRN, BAR $$
(Wella Dewala Rd; meals from Rs 500; h11am-
midnight) Sure you can taste some Middle
Eastern fare, but really this place is all about
achieving the name through partying. Slouch
with a shisha on a sofa or knock back a papa-
ya mojito. There’s regular live music.Sunrise Seafood Restaurant S eAFOOD $$
(Beach; mains from Rs 500; h11am-9pm) Cross
the little stream at the west end of the beach
and you’ll find this simple place next to the
temple. It’s got a great location away from the
hordes and a fine view back across the surf.
The menu reflects whatever has been culled
from the fishing boats resting on the sand. Or-
der your shrimp with plenty of garlic.One Love Restaurant SR i lANKAN $$
(Wella Devala Rd; meals from Rs 400; h9am-10pm)
Once hung right over the high tide line,
now relocated well back on the beach, One
Love has a nice spread of tables on the sand.
Amidst a plethora of shrimp-grilling cafes,
this is the local option for a classic rice and
curry. Be sure to emphasise you want it spicy.Dream House iTAliAN $$
(%438 1541; off Yaddehimulla Rd; mains from Rs 500;
h5-9pm) Eat alfresco while being serenaded
by classical music at this Italian restaurant.
The secret to enjoyment here is remembering
that Rome is 7700km west, so order simply
(lots of good pasta dishes, no pizza) and ap-
preciate the change from local fare.8 Information
You’ll find most goods and services in Galle. There
are simple grocery stores on the inland portion of
Wella Dewala Rd. Wi-fi is common in guesthouses,
uncommon at cafes.
GG Happy Tours (%223 2838; http://www.gghappy
tours.com; Yaddehimulla Rd; h9am-10 pm)